“They probably didn't even think about getting married for so long because, with us around, what more could they possibly need?”

—Zelda, the cat

How They Met

Mom and Dad met at MSUM (Minnesota State University Moorhead), but let's be clear—Dad noticed Mom waaaaay before she noticed him. He says she strolled into their Creative Writing class, claimed the front row like she owned the place, and suddenly, the "Stark girl" he'd heard about was right there—front and center. He thought she was undeniably cute and was instantly smitten.

But that was it. Nothing came of it. Mom never noticed Dad sitting quietly in the back row, and he never said "Hi."

Then the universe—and by "universe," I mean pure dumb luck—had to intervene three times before they finally got their act together. LIKE GET THE HINT ALREADY!

Third Time's the Charm

1. The Hunger Games Disaster:

Mom was a journalist for The Advocate, MSUM’s student newspaper. Dad was running around campus playing a ridiculous game called the MSUM Hunger Games, where students "hunted" each other. Picture Dad crawling through bushes, flinging himself behind trees, and trying to look stealthy like a budget Jason Bourne. It's as embarrassing as it sounds. They were supposed to meet for an interview, but life said "nope," and they did it over Facebook chat instead. They didn't realize they'd be falling in love a year later. Now, cue dramatic music. OK, cut the music. There are two more ridiculous meetings to cover.

2. The Bar Debacle:  

A year later, at a bar called Mick's Office, Dad finally worked up the courage to talk to Mom in person—thanks to mutual friends and a few drinks. But here's the kicker: Mom doesn't entirely remember it! Why? Let's say the beverages were flowing a little too freely that night. Sorry, Dad, but this one's getting cut from the highlight reel.

3. The Halloween Plot Twist: 

On Halloween 2014, Mom struts into a party dressed as Lorde (total queen behavior) while Dad's across the room casually rocking a t-shirt with "404 Error: Costume Not Found" scribbled on it with a permanent marker. Classic Dad. Mom spots him and thinks, "It felt like reuniting with an old friend—someone I'd known forever, yet somehow was meeting for the first time." (Hmm, I wonder why?) They spent the night playing beer pong and laughing, with Mom crushing hard, but she left before getting his number.

At the next party, Mom finds Dad quietly counting empty beer cans stacked on a beer pong table (seriously, Dad?) and decides to take matters into her own hands. She introduces him to the card game Speed, which she absolutely wrecks him at (as expected), and they become Facebook friends. BOOM! Sparks start flying.

The next day, Mom is pacing the apartment because she's dramatic like that, wracking her brain for the perfect message to send to Dad. She fires off a message, then nervously waits two agonizing minutes (eye roll—try staring at an empty food bowl first thing in the morning; that's real anxiety), and the rest is history.

“Mom spots him and thinks, ‘ It felt like reuniting with an old friend—someone I'd known forever, yet somehow was meeting for the first time.’”

Purr-fect Additions

OK, yada yada yada—boring stuff happens.  

Let's fast-forward through endless late-night chats, swing-dancing lessons, countless games of cards, and college graduation. They move to the Twin Cities, eventually settling in Downtown Minneapolis. 

Now, finally, THE GOOD STUFF!

Their life was… let's say, it was OK or whatever, but something was missing.  

Something fluffy, sassy, and purr-fect. That's when Mom and Dad got ME, Zelda—the queen, the firstborn, the savior of their dull lives.  

I arrived in November 2018 and immediately upgraded their home. Life was bliss… until January 2019, when they brought home Sheik—my little sister, personal menace, and unapologetic mom's girl. Ugh. But together, we made them the happiest humans alive.

Their Adventures

Over the years, they've ventured to countless places without us—why, we'll never understand. They've traveled to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Wisconsin Dells, and more. They attend musicals with their season tickets at The Orpheum in Minneapolis. Yes, they even went to Cats without us—complete betrayal! They've attended concerts by Green Day, Halestorm, and Sabrina Carpenter—and even scored 9th-row seats at Taylor Swift's Eras Tour. And I'm still HISSED they didn't bring us along to see Taylor, the ultimate cat lady herself! But hey, they've already lived nine lives and still have many more adventures ahead.

Each time they came back, they scooped us up, smothered us with hugs, and gushed about how much they missed us, practically admitting the trip would have been better with us there. Which, duh, it totally would have been. We're the light of their lives, the reason they wake up in the morning. They probably didn't even think about getting married for so long because, with us around, what more could they possibly need?

The Proposal

But then, FINALLY, on July 16, 2023, Dad decided to propose to Mom (it only took you EIGHT YEARS, Dad). Naturally, he asked us for permission first—because we're the real bosses around here.

Sheik said, "No." She filed an official protest, declaring this marriage a "cat-astrophe" that threatens to steal her spotlight. She’d likely be helping me write this, but right now, she’s in a serious consultation with Kit Meowsington, Attorney at Paw, meticulously preparing her case.

As for me? I said, "YES!" After all, someone has to be the purr-fect one in this family.

For the proposal, Dad roped in Mom's sister Julia and our human cousin Little Leslie for the grand plan. And don't get me started on this little human... always loud, grab-happy, and utterly oblivious to the concept of personal space!

Here's how it went down: Mom thought she was taking photos of Little Leslie (LOL). Suddenly, Little Leslie popped out from behind a bush wearing a "Will You Marry Uncle Josh?" shirt. Mom dropped the camera, turned around, and saw Dad on one knee. She said YES! Duh—like she was ever going to say no! Mom says it's the only time Dad snuck one past her. He knew he only had a few days to pull it off because she'd figure it out if he took any longer. 

Ten Years to "I Do"

After a decade of whirlwind love, they're finally tying the knot. A wedding ten years in the making! (No need to rush or anything, Mom and Dad.)

Sheik and I, of course, should be the guests of honor, but whatever—it's their day. All we ask is extra treats, belly rubs, and maybe a little credit for being the masterminds behind their happily ever after.  

You're welcome for making this love story paws-itively purr-fect. 🐾